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Time of India

‘Hurt community's sentiments: Vandana Kataria's family protests renaming stadium in Haridwar

Haridwar: Family members of hockey player Vandana Kataria have opposed the state govt's decision to "rename" Vandana Kataria Stadium in Haridwar as the Yogasthali Sports Complex. They said the move "hurt their sentiments and those of the entire Dalit community to whom Kataria belongs" and demanded that the original name be retained. At a press conference in Haridwar, Kataria's younger brother, Pankaj Kataria, said, "Roshnabad sports stadium is recognised as Vandana Kataria Stadium after a renowned hockey player, but now the govt has given it a new name, Yogasthali Sports Complex, which will become a landmark in the future. Vandana Kataria Stadium is not just a name, it is an honour for our family, our community, and the entire nation. This decision has deeply hurt us and all sports lovers. We request that no new name or change be made." The district administration, on the other hand, has clarified that only the overall campus has been named Yogasthali Sports Complex, while the hockey stadium within it will continue to bear Kataria's name. District sports officer Shabali Gurung told TOI, "There are different sports facilities in the campus, including the hockey stadium, swimming pool, badminton, etc. Only a new name has been given for the entire sports complex, but the hockey stadium will continue to be known as the Vandana Kataria Hockey Stadium as before. No changes have been made to it." Additional director, sports, Ajay Kumar Agarwal, also said the govt has not altered any existing names and that while a name was assigned to the entire sports complex, the individual sports facilities within it have retained their original names. However, Bhim Army and other Dalit groups have rejected the clarification and announced plans to protest. Bhim Army leader Deepak Sethpura told TOI, "Vandana Kataria is our pride and we cannot compromise on the name of our sister. The govt is fooling our people by changing the stadium name. If the decision is not revoked, Bhim Army will stage a protest." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !